No matter how lovely a website may look, if its UX is bad, then the website is basically a failure. UX is thus a very important aspect of any website design. There are currently many UX tools available to the designer in 2017, but instead of listing them all, we will list only the top 10. They are as follows:
1. Adobe Experience Design
Currently in beta, the Adobe Experience Design or XD, is a complete suite for designing and prototyping websites. It is cross-platform, and available both on Mac and on Windows 10. Although originally known for Photoshop and video editing software, Adobe’s recent entry into the world of UX software, is a welcome breath of fresh air, since Adobe has long been known for its dedication to quality solutions.
2. Balsamiq Mockups
Balsamiq mockups is available as both a desktop app and as a web app. The system is designed to make your early design process as intuitive and free-flowing as possible. A single-user license costs $89, while multi-user licenses start from $178 for two.
3. JustInMind
JustInMind has been around since 2008. It provides a 30-day free trial of its amazing capabilities. With JustInMind, you can prototype everything from simple apps to the most feature-rich apps and enterprise applications. It does have a rather steep learning curve to match its vast capabilities, and it costs $29 per month.
4. Sketch
Sketch is a Mac OS only application. It is similar to Photoshop in many ways, although it is much easier to use. Sketch costs $99, and allows you to easily manipulate photos and vector shapes. Moreover, it is quite time-saving.
5. Axure RP
Axure RP is a rapid prototyping and wire-framing desktop app. It is available for both the Mac and Windows operating systems. It costs $495 per user license. Axure RP enables designers to easily create prototypes, and to test and share them as well. It is a very professional tool, and its learning curve is correspondingly quite steep.
6. Mockflow
Mockflow is a wire-framing software, available as both a desktop and a web app. Mockflow makes it easy to design flexible user interfaces with its WireframePro. With other tools like Sitemap, StyleGuide, DesignCollab and AnnotatePro, you also get specific modules for specific functions.
7. InVision
This list will not be complete without InVision, the web-based rapid prototyping app. With InVision, you can prototype for Android or iOs, and turn your sketches into interactive prototypes. InVision is one of the best UX tools for collaborative work. 1 project is free, up to 3 active projects cost $15 per month, and there are professional accounts for $25 monthly, as well as team accounts for $100.
8. Mockplus
Mockplus offers faster, smarter and easier mockups with its clean and easy to understand interface. This desktop app aims to make mockups as simple as possible. Its newer version includes pre-designed components, such as sliding drawers, popup menus, e.t.c. The basic version is free, while a Pro version costs $29 per month.
9. Proto.io
Proto.io allows you to easily design, prototype, preview and share your designs. It is a great system for mobile designs, as it allows you to quickly create rich and high fidelity prototypes for Android, iOs and other mobile platforms. Proto.io offers a 15-day free trial.
10. Pidoco
Pidoco is a cloud-based wire-frame and UX prototyping tool. It allows you to create, share and test your mockups, wire-frames and prototypes. Pidoco includes many drag-and-drop interface elements, as well as other features to facilitate feedbacks and discussions. 2 active projects cost $12 per month, 8 cost $25, 30 cost $55 and 100 projects cost $175 per month.
Conclusion
As you have seen, there is a wide range of UX tools available for designing and prototyping. Your choice of software will end up depending on whether you prefer a desktop- or web-based system, the amount of money you are willing to spend, and how deeply you are ready to study complex programs.
